In
the “Silver Sneakers” senior citizen exercise class Delycia and I are taking,
we occasionally hear shouts of praise from our instructor, and it’s surprising
to me how heartening that can be. When I’m struggling to send my arms and legs
where they’re supposed to be going, when my feet can’t seem to find a way to
work appropriately, and when the thought crosses my mind to simply make an end
to this nonsense, I sometimes here a strong “Good work!” from the front of the
room, or a sincere-sounding “Nice job, everyone!” Our teacher’s working hard
herself in front of us to do the exercises she asks us to do, but she seems to
understand that part of her work is to praise her students. She knows, I guess,
that nothing lifts a disheartened spirit like a little applause and acclaim.
Indeed, it was amazing to me how a few forceful words of commendation could
create a wind of purpose and desire where there was only the weariness of
discouragement. I started listening for her light-hearted, uplifting words.
When I was winded and wheezing, I waited, and some shout of honest support from
this stirring teacher usually came.
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